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Theory on State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding

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State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Compromise after Conflict ((PSCAC))

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Abstract

In this chapter, Steen-Johnsen offers an overview over theoretical perspectives which allow us to consider how the political strategies of a state to regulate civil society influence the opportunities of religious peacebuilders. Drawing upon theories of state–civil interactions, she suggests that religious actors engaged in peacebuilding can be considered as being affected by political strategies aiming at regulating the civil sphere. Steen-Johnsen argues that the state and civil spheres are interlinked and mutually influential but warns against viewing actors in the civil sphere as dictated by the political strategies of a state authority. Religious actors should rather should rather be considered as purposeful actors engaging in the spaces given to them in the ways they find possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology and Social Work, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway

    Tale Steen-Johnsen

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  1. Tale Steen-Johnsen
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Steen-Johnsen, T. (2017). Theory on State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding. In: State and Politics in Religious Peacebuilding. Palgrave Studies in Compromise after Conflict. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59390-0_3

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